Mardi Gras : News - Mardi Gras encourages community to reclaim their strip on Big Gay Friday

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Mardi Gras encourages community to reclaim their strip on Big Gay Friday

MEDIA RELEASE - 19th August 2011

NMG today urged the community to reclaim the Golden Mile on 30th September when Big Gay Friday sees a host of Oxford Street venues coming together to create a wonderful after-work drink environment with shows, promotions, bands, cocktails and more from late afternoon.

Participating venues so far include Arq, Colombian, Stonewall, Oxford, Ruby Rabbit (Bitch Boutique), Midnight Shift, Slide and Nevermind, with all venues accessible for a $10 wristband with $5 going to the Mardi Gras Parade Fund, which will support bigger and better floats in next year’s Parade.

NMG also expanded on its line-up for the rest of the weekend with big new parties, Dirty Talk at the Supper Club and Polo Lounge and Glitter Ball at the Metro taking place on the Saturday night.

The Sunday is sure to be a big one with Homesexual White featuring Sophie-Ellis Bextor, the much-anticipated replacement for Toybox called Lunchbox at Luna Park, Daywash at Chinese Laundry, Splash at Ruby Rabbit and two parties aimed at a female market, alice & eve at the Metro and Revolution at Nevermind.

Other events on the weekend include a George Michael show at Slide, the late Friday/early Saturday party Go Commando at Phoenix and Eclipse at Arq on Saturday morning. All events will be donating a set amount for every ticket sold.

“From Ruby Rabbit in the East to Slide in the West the whole strip, including retailers and restaurants, looks set to come on board to make this a really special night,” said NMG Head of Marketing & Communications Damien Eames. “There’s a habit in the community of heading home and only coming out at midnight. Big Gay Friday will be different.

“It’s a great chance to come and see a show you might otherwise miss because it’s normally on at 2am. From bands to swimwear fashion shows, cocktails and DJs you can expect the venues to be in full swing from early on.

“We’re also going to be encouraging restaurants to come on board to offer deals for people to take the opportunity to go out with their colleagues for a Big Gay Lunch. My advice would be to start thinking of your excuses for not heading back into the office and start your long weekend early.”

“The whole weekend is shaping up very well. It’s obviously very party-led at the moment, but we’re turning now to how we can put more fun daytime stuff in there without a big ticket price.” For more details www.biggayweekend.com.au.

To get your business involved in Big Gay Weekend email james.bridge@mardigras.org.au.

For more information: please contact james.bridge@mardigras.org.au or call 0403 774524.